Deep Creek Anglican Church Blog

Chapter Five: The faithful Son

Graham Cole’s discussion of Jesus, the faithful Son (the central figure in God’s project) begins differently to earlier chapters of God the Peacemaker.  He begins with historical theology: the doctrine of recapitulation by Irenaeus (130-200).  Never heard of this?  The concept is relatively simple: Jesus recapitulates in His own Person all that Adam should have been and failed to be.  At every stage of Jesus’ human development, He was the faithful and obedient Son of God.

What a sharp contrast to both Adam and Israel who failed.  As our author states, “Jesus is the faithful Adam and faithful Israel.”  Even at the crucifixion scene, Jesus’ enemies scornfully proclaim the truth the Jesus continues to trust in God (Matt 27:43).

Graham Cole highlights numerous other instances in Scriptre where the faithfulness of Jesus is highlighted:

• in Heb 3:1-6 and Heb 12:1-3, Jesus is the faithful Son, the pioneer and perfector of the faith;
• in Revelation, Jesus is the faithful witness; and,
• in Rom 3:22, some commentators (eg. D B Knox, N T Wright) translate the verse as the “faithfulness of Jesus” rather than “faith in Jesus.”

Graham concludes:

“[Jesus] trusted God.  He obeyed God.  His faith issued in the obedience that is the ground of our righteousness.  He did not merely assent to the will of his father, he did it from the heart.  Without his perfect righteousness imputed to us we cannot be at one with God.”

There are many encouraging insights in Chapter Five.  However the chapter takes a more systematic theological approach and implicitly presupposes a familiarity with various current theological debates.  Consequently some readers may not find it as accessible as prior chapters.

In our next post from God the Peacemaker, Graham Cole looks at Jesus’ death and His vindication.

I have previously posted on the magnificent Aurora Borealis.  Here’s another treat.  What a truly amazing Creator we worship.  In Scripture, creation is Trinitarian, with a particular emphasis on the Son as the agent of creation (John 1:1-4, Col 1:15-17, Heb 1:1-3).

The writer to the Hebrews begins his Letter with these words:

¹In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, ²but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. ³The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Aurora Borealis – Iceland 2010 from O Z Z O Photography on Vimeo.

We are nearing the end of our series on the Letter to the Hebrews.  The high priestly ministry of the Lord Jesus is such a wonderful truth and it certainly figures significantly in this very challenging Letter.

Across our three congregations at Deep Creek, the Holy Spirit has clearly touched many hearts with the wonderful truth that the barrier between God and mankind has been ripped from top to bottom in the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus.  The way to the Most Holy Place is open!

Our Good Friday service was a wonderful time of corporate worship.  We looked at Hebrews 9, and in particular Heb 9:11-28.  Part way through the message, we played the short movie, The Veil by Dan Stevers – it is one of many excellent visual resources at worship house media.

We concluded the service with the recent anthem, At the Cross.  The roof in the auditorium nearly lifted off.  So here’s the song, with singing nearly as good as last Friday!

-HOPE- by ~outwardlyupward on deviantART

Good to be back online after a few really hectic weeks.  We’ve been working through the Letter to the Hebrews at Deep Creek.  What a fantastic part of God’s Word.  This Sunday we’re up to Heb 6:13 – 7:28.  One great truth that comes out of the text (amongst numerous others!) is the fact that Jesus Christ is THE supreme hope.  As the writer to the Hebrews states, Jesus (the only sure hope) is the anchor for the soul – firm and secure (Heb 6:19); the One who has introduced a “better hope” and through whom we are able to draw near to God.

As I was reflecting on these wonderful truths, an old hymn came to mind, as well as a much newer song, “Song of Hope” by the Robbie Seay Band.  Enjoy!